Jail, fine up to Dhs100,000 for intentionally spreading a communicable disease in UAE

The recently approved draft law on combating communicable diseases, passed by the Federal National Council, introduces strict penalties for healthcare professionals.

Under this law, any doctor, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or other health professional in the public or private sector who fails to report to their respective authority within 8 hours of becoming aware of or suspecting a case of infection or death caused by a communicable disease will face fines ranging from Dhs30,000 to Dhs100,000.

A fine of up to Dhs10,000 may be imposed on any doctor, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, or other healthcare professional in either the public or private sector who does not report communicable diseases specified in Section (B) of Schedule No. (1) attached to the law within 24 hours of detection.

Additionally, they must report diseases listed under Section (C) of Schedule No. (1) within five working days; failure to do so will also result in the fine.

Neglect in administering vaccinations

Article 38 prescribes a fine ranging from Dhs5,000 to Dhs20,000 for any guardian or caretaker of a child who either refuses or neglects to ensure the child receives the immunizations mandated by the Ministry under the National Immunization Programme.

Meanwhile, Article 39 outlines stricter penalties, imposing fines between Dhs20,000 and Dhs100,000 on individuals infected or suspected of carrying communicable diseases listed in Schedule No. 1 attached to this law.

These penalties apply if it is established that the person knowingly committed acts such as travelling or moving to locations outside of a healthcare facility without prior approval from the Ministry or relevant health authority, failing to notify a transport operator, or disregarding required preventive measures.

Article 40 outlines that any individual who is aware of being infected with a disease listed in Schedule No. 1 attached to the law and intentionally engages in behavior that leads to the transmission of the infectious disease to another person will face imprisonment of up to four years and a fine ranging from Dhs50,000 to Dhs100,000.

In cases of repeat offenses, the maximum penalty will be doubled. If the transmission results in the death of the affected individual, the offender may be sentenced to life imprisonment.